CMHA Ontario joins individuals and organizations around the world in recognizing PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) Awareness Day.
PTSD Awareness Day was officially recognized for the first time in Ontario by the provincial government in 2019. PTSD is an anxiety disorder involving exposure to a traumatic event which could include crimes, natural disasters, accidents, war or conflict, or other threats to life. A person with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others.
While post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, healthcare workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters and corrections staff are particularly at risk. The unique workplace stress for first responders can lead to operational stress injuries, which include PTSD. CMHA Ontario is offering Resilient Minds for firefighters thanks to Movember Canada. Learn more here.
In recent years, frontline health-care workers have reported increased feelings of burnout,
secondary trauma and empathic strain. While research on this topic focuses mainly on the general community, it is also reflected amongst staff at post-secondary institutions. To help, the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health has created an information sheet on signs, symptoms and protective factors of empathic strain. Read more on CICMH website.
It’s important to reach out if you need extra support. BounceBack Ontario is available to support those who may be feeling low, stressed and worried. Learn more at bouncebackontario.ca.